Word: tetraethyl
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Dates: during 1930-1939
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When Dr. Calingaert mixed two antiknock fuel ingredients, tetraethyl lead and diethyldimethyl lead, and gave them a catalytic nudge, atoms came loose from the molecules and formed new compounds at random-in quantities predictable by the laws of chance. For this reason, popularized versions of the Calingaert research referred to it as a chemical "dice game" or "poker game." Actually, since he deals with trillions of molecules in one operation, the chemist always knows what sort of hand he will draw...
Offered for licensing by Houdry Process Corp., the new process may revolutionize refining. At present only Sun and Socony-Vacuum are using it, and they mix the result with ordinary gas to improve the octane rating. If Houdry refining becomes general, it may: 1) reduce the need for the tetraethyl lead which now makes most gasoline satisfactory in modern high-compression engines; 2) conserve U. S. oil reserves by yielding more gasoline per barrel of crude; 3) help stabilize prices by stabilizing stocks, now badly unbalanced because gasoline and fuel oil must be produced simultaneously though one is most used...
...control the high pressure explosion waves which pound against cylinder walls and produce the metallic sound, oilmen added to gasoline substances which raise the detonating point. Examples: aniline, tetraethyl lead...